THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 13, 1996 TAG: 9604130475
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
With only a few days remaining in spring football practice, Virginia coach George Welsh is prepared to spend the summer not knowing who will be his starting quarterback next season.
``There is no way we will be able to make that decision this spring,'' Welsh said. ``We might not know until the week before our opening game'' vs. Central Michigan on Sept. 7.
In fact, the competition between fifth-year senior Tim Sherman and third-year sophomore Aaron Brooks is so tight Welsh is considering playing both the entire season.
``Other schools have played two quarterbacks and have been successful,'' Welsh noted.
Both Sherman and Brooks shudder at such a possibility.
``I think that would make it hard on both of us,'' said the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Brooks, a former star at Ferguson High School in Newport News.
``That would be a tough scenario,'' agreed Sherman, whose father, Tom, is the Cavaliers' receivers coach.
There was speculation when last season ended that Sherman, who backed up senior Mike Groh, would step into the starting job.
He played well in spots when Groh was injured. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia Tech while Groh was out in the second period.
Sherman insisted he never felt the starting job would be handed to him, though.
``Some people think because I've been here so long that I deserve to start,'' he said.
``But I tell people, it's not how long you've been here, it is how good you are. I knew I would have to earn the starting job.''
Brooks played only briefly last year. He attempted two passes against Georgia Tech, with one being intercepted.
But, he said, he feels more confident and more mature than a year ago.
``I think I am ready to play, and my goal is to be the starting quarterback,'' Brooks said.
``It is time to see what I can do. If I'm not the starter, I am going to be very disappointed.''
Sherman said he feels the same way.
``I would like to think my time has come,'' he said. ``Starting means a lot to me because this is my last go-round.''
Welsh said he will feel comfortable starting the season with either player.
``They are very similiar in that both have good arms and the quickness to scramble,'' Welsh said.
``They both are pretty good, so I don't expect to pick a starter until after at least two scrimmages in the fall.''
Welsh is much more concerned with filling holes in the offensive line and defensive secondary than naming a starting quarterback.
``This has not been a good spring practice because we've had so many injuries,'' he said.
``We didn't have a single wide receiver during one of the practices, and the quarterbacks have been under a lot of pressure because of inexperience in the line.''
The two most serious injuries were to center Tom Locklin (knee) and defensive back Ronde Barber, who underwent arm surgery Tuesday.
Welsh said Barber tore a ligament and damaged muscles in his right arm during a scrimmage.
The Cavaliers will hold their annual spring game today at 1:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium, but injuries will prevent Welsh from playing a conventional game.
``We will pair the offense against the defense. That's the only way we can do it,'' Welsh said.
The Cavaliers plan to conclude spring practice Wednesday. by CNB